President Bola Tinubu has approved the Nigerian membership of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, a move aimed at strengthening security cooperation between both countries.

The announcement was released on November 27, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who said the approval follows high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Onanuga said the Joint Working Group is a direct outcome of the recent security dialogue in the United States.
“This team reflects Nigeria’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with the US in tackling security threats,” he stated.

Ribadu will lead the Nigerian delegation, supported by senior officials from key government institutions. Members include Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Humanitarian Affairs Minister Dr Bernard M. Doro, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, NIA Director-General Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Ms Idayat Hassan from the Office of the NSA and Mr Paul Alabi from the Nigerian Embassy in the US will serve as the secretariat.

President Tinubu urged the team to collaborate closely with their US counterparts.

“We expect diligent, coordinated action to ensure every agreement is implemented effectively,” he said.

The Working Group is expected to fast-track joint efforts on defence, intelligence, humanitarian coordination, and internal security.